Dante held his mate close to him the past week. Every day, he willed that time would stop and he wouldn't have to let go of his mate. He constantly followed her around like a lovesick dog, keeping an eye on her at all times. He didn't want to miss one second with her before he had to let her go.

He knew that the time to let her go was getting closer, but still, he willed time to stop. He wished that he could follow her into her family's compound and help her destroy them from the inside, but every time Nadine told him that it would be unsafe. He didn't care if it was unsafe or not. He would follow her into every hardship and battle if he could.

Dante leaned against the rock wall of the tavern, his arms across his chest. His eyes were watching Nadine as she laughed at whatever Melora had said to her. He was grateful that Melora and Nadine became friends so quickly. It was good that she had a friend in the compound. But he couldn't help the jealous feeling that he wasn't the one who was making her laugh.

At least it's another woman, he thought to himself sulkingly. Next to him, he heard Drystan chuckling lowly. Dante's head snapped over to him. "What's funny?" he growled.

Drystan's eyes shone with amusement as he looked up at Dante. "You are what's funny, brother. I would have never thought in a million years that a woman would be able to control you as she does." He chuckled once more as he looked down at his blade and continued to run a rock over the blade, sharpening it.

Dante grumbled to himself before answering Drystan. "I can't help myself, brother." His eyes moved back to where Nadine was sitting. "I cannot resist her. Wherever she goes, I want to be right next to her and never leave her side."

Drystan nodded as he also looked at the two women, but Dante knew who he was truly looking at. "I know how you feel, Dante. As you know, I can't leave my woman's side. They bury themselves deep down into our souls until we are consumed by them."

"I have no argument with that statement," Dante commented. "I would not give her up for the world. She controls every fiber of my being. I am obsessed with her." They were silent for a while, content to watch their mates. Eventually, Dante broke the silence. "Do you think Carwel's plan is wise?"

Drystan hesitated for a moment before answering him with a slight nod of his head. "I do think it is wise to stop this family." He looked over at Dante, a serious look on his face. "I understand what you are feeling, brother. If it was Melora going into danger by herself, I would be feeling the same as you if I were in this position. One thing you have to take into consideration is that your woman isn't helpless. She is able to take care of herself to where you don't have to worry about her well-being."

"I still worry about her," Dante grumbled.

Drystan nodded. "I know and I do not blame you. I am constantly worried about Melora. She does not have the same amount of training that Nadine has."

Dante nudged Drystan's shoulder with his own. "I don't think you give your mate enough credit, Drystan. She was the one who saved your sorry ass when you were almost killed by Alathic."

Drystan chuckled, his eyes turning toward his mate, and smiled warmly at her. "I may not give her enough credit, true. But my point still stands. Your mate has survived with this family for gods knows how long. She can survive a little while longer without you."

Dante nodded, appreciating his answer even if he didn't agree. Tomorrow would be the start of traveling for him and Nadine. She and Carwel believe that it will take close to a week before they will reach the beginning of her family's territory. Dante sighed as he knew he only had one week left with his mate before he had to let her go.

Nadine, sensing his uneasiness, looked over and gave him a small smile, her eyes warm. Everything will be okay, my mate. I will be back in your arms before you know it.